Patient Education

Dyskinesias are involuntary, erratic, writhing movements of the face, arms, legs or trunk. They are often fluid and dance-like, but they may also cause rapid jerking or slow and extended muscle spasms. They are not a symptom of Parkinson's itself. Rather, they are a complication from some Parkinson's medications.

As COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives, it’s critical that we try to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible. This is especially applicable for patients who use noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), mechanical airway clearance devices, or are supported by home ventilation for other chronic respiratory failure syndromes.

Dyskinesia is uncontrolled, involuntary movement that may occur with long-term levodopa use and longer time with Parkinson's. Not everyone will develop this complication, and the experience of dyskinesia varies. New and emerging treatments aim to help avoid dyskinesia.

Every person’s Parkinson’s disease (PD) journey is unique.
No two people have exactly the same symptoms or
progression, let alone lifestyle and genetics. However, it
is common that once you begin a treatment regimen after
diagnosis, you can live life for a while with nearly complete
relief from symptoms and few side effects. Eventually,
though, after several years of being treated with le...

Aug 5th, 2019 - This information will help you get ready for your colonoscopy using polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®).
A colonoscopy is an exam of your colon (large intestine). Your doctor will use a colonoscope (flexible tube with a camera on the end) to see the inside of your colon on a video monitor. During your procedure, your doctor can:

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most common in people age 50 and older.

May 20th, 2018 - Treating acute pain caused by orthopedic surgery has improved drastically over the past few years. This is due in part to the use of multimodal analgesic strategies (balancing the use of multiple non-opioid pain medications) and an increase in regional anesthesia in orthopedic procedures.

Aug 12th, 2019 - If you shudder at the thought of having a colonoscopy to check for hidden colon cancer, chances are it's the "prep" that's stoking your apprehension. It's certainly a major inconvenience: getting ready for the procedure takes much longer — an average of 16 hours, according to one study — than the three hours or so you'll spend at a medical center the day of your colonoscopy. But what's most off...

The need for healthcare providers to effectively engage with patients with SLE is ongoing and the stakes are high. Even when patients have no complaints and no visual signs of disease, organ damage can be occurring. We've developed these tools to help both you and your patients communicate and be vigilant.

Oct 15th, 2019 - This PDQ cancer information summary has current information about the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It is meant to inform and help patients, families, and caregivers. It does not give formal guidelines or recommendations for making decisions about health care. NSCLC

Feb 9th, 1999 - What is a learning disorder? Learning disorders are conditions that affect the ability to learn. They can cause problems with Understanding what people are saying Speaking Reading Writing Doing math Paying attention Often, children have more than one kind of learning disorder. They may also have another condition, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can make learning ...

Jun 27th, 1999 - A heart transplant removes a damaged or diseased heart and replaces it with a healthy one. The healthy heart comes from a donor who has died. It is the last resort for people with heart failure when all other treatments have failed. The heart failure might have been caused by coronary heart disease, damaged heart valves or heart muscles, congenital heart defects, or viral infections of the hear...

What is a stroke? A stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off. The brain cells, deprived of the oxygen and glucose needed to survive, die. If not caught early, permanent brain damage can result. How does a stroke occur? There are two types of stroke. Ischemic stroke is similar to a heart attack, except it occurs in the blood vessels of ...

The Mission of the Cleveland Clinic Aging Brain Clinic Aging patients… to provide comprehensive integrated diagnostic and therapeutic care for the mental function of aging and elderly individuals. Basic brain research… to perform basic and transitional research on the aging brain. Clinical advances… to develop and perform clinical research trials to benefit the maturing brain. Patient’s Guide t...

How are aortic aneurysms treated? The best method to repair an aneurysm depends upon several factors, including the location and shape of the aneurysm as well as the physical condition of the patient. What is endovascular grafting? Endovascular grafting is a minimally invasive method to treat an aortic aneurysm. Instead of an open aneurysm repair in which your chest/abdomen are surgically opene...

sis If your son has an undescended testicle, his doctor might recommend surgery for diagnosis and potential treatment: Laparoscopy. A small tube containing a camera is inserted through a small incision in your son's abdomen. Laparoscopy is done to locate an intra-abdominal testicle. The doctor might be able to fix the undescended testicle during the same procedure, but an additional surgery mig...

ew Kyphosis is an exaggerated, forward rounding of the back. It can occur at any age but is most common in older women. Age-related kyphosis is often due to weakness in the spinal bones that causes them to compress or crack. Other types of kyphosis can appear in infants or teens due to malformation of the spine or wedging of the spinal bones over time. Mild kyphosis causes few problems. Severe ...

ew Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They hang down like teardrops or grapes. They result from chronic inflammation due to asthma, recurring infection, allergies, drug sensitivity or certain immune disorders. Small nasal polyps may not cause symptoms. Larger growths or groups of nasal polyps can block your nasal passages or le...

sis Tests and procedures used in angiosarcoma diagnosis include: Physical exam. Your doctor will thoroughly examine you to understand your condition. Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy). Your doctor will remove a sample of suspicious tissue for laboratory testing. Analysis in the lab can detect cancer cells and determine certain characteristics of your cancer cells that may help gu...

sis Farsightedness is diagnosed by a basic eye exam, which includes a refraction assessment and an eye health exam. A refraction assessment determines if you have vision problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia. Your doctor may use various instruments and ask you to look through several lenses to test your distance and close-up vision. Your eye doctor likel...

ew Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the vertebrae in your spine to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched-forward posture. If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply. Ankylosing spondylitis affects men more often than women. Signs and symptoms typically begin in early adulthood. Inflammatio...

ew Bed-wetting — also called nighttime incontinence or nocturnal enuresis — is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which staying dry at night can be reasonably expected. Soggy sheets and pajamas — and an embarrassed child — are a familiar scene in many homes. But don't despair. Bed-wetting isn't a sign of toilet training gone bad. It's often just a normal part of a child's devel...

sis Blood tests can reveal if your body has made antibodies to a hantavirus. Your doctor may order other laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Treatment Specific treatment options for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome are limited. But the prognosis improves with early recognition, immediate hospitalization and adequate support for breathing. Supportive therapy People ...

ew An ear infection (acute otitis media) is most often a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Ear infections frequently are painful because of inflammation and buildup of fluids in the middle ear. Because ear infections often...

sis Diagnosing bladder cancer Tests and procedures used to diagnose bladder cancer may include: Cystoscopy. To perform cystoscopy, your doctor inserts a small, narrow tube (cystoscope) through the urethra. The cystoscope has a lens that allows your doctor to see the inside of your urethra and bladder, to examine these structures for signs of disease. Biopsy. During cystoscopy, your doctor may p...

ew Trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh), also called hair-pulling disorder, is a mental disorder that involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body, despite trying to stop. Hair pulling from the scalp often leaves patchy bald spots, which causes significant distress and can interfere with social or work functioning. People wi...

ew Reactive arthritis is joint pain and swelling triggered by an infection in another part of your body — most often your intestines, genitals or urinary tract. Reactive arthritis usually targets your knees and the joints of your ankles and feet. Inflammation also can affect your eyes, skin and urethra. Previously, reactive arthritis was sometimes called Reiter's syndrome, which was characteriz...

sis Medical and travel history Your doctor is likely to suspect typhoid fever based on your symptoms and your medical and travel history. But the diagnosis is usually confirmed by identifying Salmonella typhi in a culture of your blood or other body fluid or tissue. Body fluid or tissue culture For the culture, a small sample of your blood, stool, urine or bone marrow is placed on a special med...

ew Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heart rhythm condition that can potentially cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. These rapid heartbeats might trigger a sudden fainting spell or seizure. In some cases, the heart can beat erratically for so long that it causes sudden death. You can have a genetic mutation that puts you at risk of being born with congenital long QT syndrome. In addition, certain medica...

ew Dry skin isn't usually serious, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Serious dry skin conditions — an inherited group of disorders called ichthyosis — can sometimes be disfiguring and upsetting. Fortunately, most dry skin is caused by environmental factors that can be at least partially controlled. These factors include hot or cold weather, low humidity, and soaking in hot water. You c...

ew Plague is a serious bacterial infection that's transmitted by fleas. Known as the Black Death during medieval times, today plague occurs in fewer than 5,000 people a year worldwide. It can be deadly if not treated promptly with antibiotics. The organism that causes plague, Yersinia pestis, lives in small rodents found most commonly in rural and semirural areas of Africa, Asia and the United ...

sis A prompt evaluation of your symptoms is vital in diagnosing the cause of your TIA and deciding on a method of treatment. To help determine the cause of your TIA and to assess your risk of a stroke, your doctor may rely on the following: Physical examination and tests. Your doctor may check for risk factors of a stroke, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and hig...

ew Rebound headaches (medication-overuse headaches) are caused by regular, long-term use of medication to treat headaches, such as migraine. Pain relievers offer relief for occasional headaches. But if you take them more than a couple of days a week, they may trigger rebound headaches. It appears that any medication taken for pain relief can cause rebound headaches, but only if you already have...

sis During the physical exam, your doctor will check for points of tenderness in your foot and ankle. The precise location of your pain can help determine its cause. He or she may move your foot into different positions, to check your range of motion. You may be asked to walk for a short distance so that your doctor can examine your gait. Imaging tests If your signs and symptoms suggest a break...

ew Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts. The signs and symptoms of ringworm of the scalp may vary, but it usually appears as itchy, scaly, bald patches on the head. Ringworm of the scalp, a highly contagious infection, is most common in toddlers and school-age children. Treatment for ringworm of the scalp includes medications taken by mouth to...

sis Tests to evaluate your condition may include: Clinical breast exam and physical exam. During this exam, your doctor physically checks for unusual areas in both breasts, noting the appearance of the skin on and around your nipples and feeling for any lumps or areas of thickening. Mammogram. A mammogram — an X-ray exam of your breast tissue — may indicate whether the nipple and skin changes a...

sis Cluster headache has a characteristic type of pain and pattern of attacks. A diagnosis depends on your description of the attacks, including your pain, the location and severity of your headaches, and associated symptoms. How often your headaches occur and how long they last also are important factors. Your doctor will likely try to pinpoint the type and cause of your headache using certain...

ew Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer that can arise in several places throughout your body. Carcinoid tumors, which are one subset of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors, usually begin in the digestive tract (stomach, appendix, small intestine, colon, rectum) or in the lungs. Carcinoid tumors often don't cause signs and symptoms until late in the disease. Carcinoid tumors can p...

sis If your doctor suspects you may have recurrent breast cancer based on results of a mammogram or physical exam, or because of signs and symptoms, he or she may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Tests and procedures may include: Imaging tests. What imaging tests you'll undergo will depend on your specific situation. Imaging tests may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)...

sis Your doctor will likely diagnose Crohn's disease only after ruling out other possible causes for your signs and symptoms. There is no one test to diagnose Crohn's disease. Your doctor will likely use a combination of tests to help confirm a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, including: Blood tests Tests for anemia or infection. Your doctor may suggest blood tests to check for anemia — a conditio...

sis Skin cancer screening Ask your doctor whether you should consider periodic screening for skin cancer. You and your doctor may consider screening options such as: Skin exams by a trained professional. During a skin exam, your doctor conducts a head-to-toe inspection of your skin. Skin exams you do at home. A self-exam may help you learn the moles, freckles and other skin marks that are norma...

ew Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily. Restless legs syndrome, now known as restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED), can begin at any a...

ew Jet lag, also called jet lag disorder, is a temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones. Your body has its own internal clock, or circadian rhythms, that signals your body when to stay awake and when to sleep. Jet lag occurs because your body's clock is still synced to your original time zone, instead of to the time zone where you've traveled...

ew Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by damage that occurs to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth. Signs and symptoms appear during infancy or preschool years. In general, cerebral palsy causes impaired movement associated with abnormal reflexes, floppiness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk, abnormal posture, involuntary movemen...

sis Rotavirus is often diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam. A stool sample may be analyzed in a lab to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment There's no specific treatment for a rotavirus infection. Antibiotics and antivirals won't help a rotavirus infection. Usually, the infection resolves within three to seven days. Preventing dehydration is the biggest concern. To prevent dehydration w...

sis Roseola can be difficult to diagnose because initial signs and symptoms are similar to those of other common childhood illnesses. If your child has a fever and it's clear that no cold, ear infection, strep throat or other common condition is present, your doctor may wait to see if the characteristic rash of roseola appears. Your doctor may tell you to look for the rash while you treat your ...

sis Doctors generally diagnose chickenpox based on the telltale rash. If there's any doubt about the diagnosis, chickenpox can be confirmed with laboratory tests, including blood tests or a culture of lesion samples. Treatment In otherwise healthy children, chickenpox typically requires no medical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to relieve itching. But for the most part, t...

ew A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is like a stroke, producing similar symptoms, but usually lasting only a few minutes and causing no permanent damage. Often called a ministroke, a transient ischemic attack may be a warning. About 1 in 3 people who have a transient ischemic attack will eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the transient ischemic attack. A tr...

sis Your doctor may suspect endocarditis based on your medical history, signs and symptoms you're experiencing, and your test results. A diagnosis of endocarditis is usually based on several factors instead of a single positive test result or symptom. Your doctor may order several tests to help make a positive diagnosis, including: Blood tests. A blood culture test is used to identify any bacte...

sis Your doctor will talk to you first about your medical history and your signs and symptoms. If your doctor thinks that you may have Addison's disease, you may undergo some of the following tests: Blood test. Measuring your blood levels of sodium, potassium, cortisol and ACTH gives your doctor an initial indication of whether adrenal insufficiency may be causing your signs and symptoms. A blo...

sis Tests to help diagnose gout may include: Joint fluid test. Your doctor may use a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint. Urate crystals may be visible when the fluid is examined under a microscope. Blood test. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to measure the levels of uric acid and creatinine in your blood. Blood test results can be misleading, though. Some people have high uric...

ew Thrombocytopenia (throm-boe-sie-toe-PEE-nee-uh) is a condition in which blood doesn't clot properly because there aren't enough platelets. Platelets (thrombocytes) are small pieces of cells that play an important role in blood clotting by clumping and forming plugs when necessary. Causes of thrombocytopenia include increased breakdown and destruction of platelets (related to a problem with t...

sis Typically, signs and symptoms lead parents to seek medical help for their child. Sometimes Ewing sarcoma is ultimately found when a child is brought in for treatment for what's thought to be a sprain or some other type of sports injury. Usually an X-ray shows a suspicious area. Then the doctor recommends one or more additional imaging tests to evaluate the area, such as: Computerized tomogr...

ew Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. The fluid keeps your lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches your bloodstream. This deprives your organs of the oxygen they need to function. ARDS typically occurs in people who are already critically ill or who have significant injuries. S...

sis To diagnose botulism, your doctor will check you for signs of muscle weakness or paralysis, such as drooping eyelids and a weak voice. Your doctor will also ask about the foods you've eaten in the past few days, and ask if you may have been exposed to the bacteria through a wound. In cases of possible infant botulism, the doctor may ask if the child has eaten honey recently and has had cons...

ew Cholecystitis (ko-luh-sis-TIE-tis) is inflammation of the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, beneath your liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid that's released into your small intestine (bile). In most cases, gallstones blocking the tube leading out of your gallbladder cause cholecystitis. This results in a bile buildup tha...

sis The first steps in seeking a diagnosis typically include a physical exam, discussion of medical history and lab tests. The doctor may recommend one or more of these imaging tests to locate the cancer and find out if it has spread: X-ray Computerized tomography (CT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Positron emission tomography (PET) Bone scan Biopsy The doctor may recommend a procedure to re...

sis Your doctor will ask you about your health history and your family's health history, and perform a physical exam. The following tests and procedures may be used to diagnose primary biliary cholangitis. Blood tests: Cholesterol test. More than half the people with primary biliary cholangitis have extreme increases in blood fats (lipids), including total cholesterol level. Liver tests. These ...

sis While no tests can confirm whether you have Buerger's disease, your doctor will likely order tests to rule out other more common conditions or confirm suspicion of Buerger's disease brought on by your signs and symptoms. Tests may include: Blood tests Blood tests to look for certain substances can rule out other conditions that may cause similar signs and symptoms. For instance, blood tests...

sis Your doctor can usually diagnose measles based on the disease's characteristic rash as well as a small, bluish-white spot on a bright red background — Koplik's spot — on the inside lining of the cheek. However, many doctors have never seen measles, and the rash can be confused with a number of other illnesses. If necessary, a blood test can confirm whether the rash is truly measles. Treatme...

ew Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which your blood doesn't clot normally because it lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors). If you have hemophilia, you may bleed for a longer time after an injury than you would if your blood clotted normally. Small cuts usually aren't much of a problem. The greater health concern is deep bleeding inside your body, especially in your knees...

ew Central sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs because your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing. This condition is different from obstructive sleep apnea, in which you can't breathe normally because of upper airway obstruction. Central sleep apnea is less common than obstr...

sis Tests and procedures used to diagnose nephrotic syndrome include: Urine tests. A urinalysis can reveal abnormalities in your urine, such as large amounts of protein, if you have nephrotic syndrome. You may be asked to collect urine samples over 24 hours for an accurate measure of the protein in your urine. Blood tests. If you have nephrotic syndrome, a blood test may show low levels of the ...

ew Alcohol poisoning is a serious — and sometimes deadly — consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect your breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex and potentially lead to a coma and death. Alcohol poisoning can also occur when adults or children accidentally or intentionally drink household products that co...

sis To diagnose chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), your doctor will review your family and medical history and conduct a physical examination. Your doctor may order several tests to diagnose CGD, including: Neutrophil function tests. Your doctor may conduct a dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) test or other tests to see how well a type of white blood cell (neutrophil) in your blood is functioning. Do...

sis To diagnose hairy cell leukemia, your doctor may recommend: Physical exam. By feeling your spleen — an oval-shaped organ on the left side of your upper abdomen — your doctor can determine if it's enlarged. An enlarged spleen may cause a sensation of fullness in your abdomen that makes it uncomfortable to eat. Your doctor may also check for enlarged lymph nodes that may contain leukemia cell...

ew Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. Children who are obese are above the normal weight for their age and height. Childhood obesity is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once considered adult problems — diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Many obese ch...

ew Pneumonitis (noo-moe-NIE-tis) is a general term that refers to inflammation of lung tissue. Technically, pneumonia is a type of pneumonitis because the infection causes inflammation. Pneumonitis, however, is usually used by doctors to refer to noninfectious causes of lung inflammation. Common causes of pneumonitis include airborne irritants at your job or from your hobbies. In addition, some...

ew Prader-Willi (PRAH-dur VIL-e) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that results in a number of physical, mental and behavioral problems. A key feature of Prader-Willi syndrome is a constant sense of hunger that usually begins at about 2 years of age. People with Prader-Willi syndrome want to eat constantly because they never feel full (hyperphagia), and they usually have trouble controlling t...

sis If it's suspected that you have Lynch syndrome, your doctor may ask you questions about your family history of colon cancer, endometrial cancer and other cancers. This may lead to other tests and procedures to diagnose Lynch syndrome. Family history Your doctor may refer you for further Lynch syndrome evaluation if you have: Multiple relatives with any Lynch-associated tumors, including col...

ew Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body's important source of fuel. With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal gluc...

ew Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect your big toe. Often you can take care of ingrown toenails on your own. If the pain is severe or spreading, your doctor can take steps to relieve your discomfort and help you avoid compli...

ew Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Reduced estrogen levels after menopause and some skin disorders can also cause vaginitis. The most common types of vaginitis are: Bacterial vaginosis, which results from a change of the normal bacteria found in you...

ew Pseudocholinesterase deficiency (PD) is a condition that makes you sensitive to certain drugs used during anesthesia. The drugs are designed to briefly relax your muscles during a medical procedure. With PD, the muscles stay relaxed for a longer time, which can lead to medical complications. PD is usually inherited. In most cases, no signs or symptoms of the condition exist until you are exp...

sis Osteomalacia can be difficult to diagnose. To pinpoint the cause and to rule out other bone disorders, such as osteoporosis, you might undergo one or more of the following tests: Blood and urine tests. These help detect low levels of vitamin D and problems with calcium and phosphorus. X-rays. Slight cracks in your bones that are visible on X-rays are characteristic of osteomalacia. Bone bio...

ew Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women. Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped create advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Bre...

sis A physical exam, including joint and neurological exams, and test results can help your doctor determine the cause of your pain and stiffness. During the exam, he or she might gently move your head and limbs to assess your range of motion. Your doctor might reassess your diagnosis as your treatment progresses. Some people initially given a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica are later recla...

sis Hereditary hemochromatosis can be difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms such as stiff joints and fatigue may be due to conditions other than hemochromatosis. Many people with the disease don't have any signs or symptoms other than elevated levels of iron in their blood. Hemochromatosis may be identified because of abnormal blood tests done for other reasons or from screening of family membe...

sis To diagnose ALD, your doctor will review your symptoms and your medical and family history. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and order several tests, including: Blood testing. These tests check for high levels of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in your blood, which are a key indicator of adrenoleukodystrophy. Doctors use blood samples for genetic testing to identify defe...

sis Your primary care provider will determine if you have panic attacks, panic disorder or another condition, such as heart or thyroid problems, with symptoms that resemble panic attacks. To help pinpoint a diagnosis, you may have: A complete physical exam Blood tests to check your thyroid and other possible conditions and tests on your heart, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) A psychol...

ew Retinal detachment describes an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position. Retinal detachment separates the retinal cells from the layer of blood vessels that provides oxygen and nourishment. The longer retinal detachment goes untreated, the greater your risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye. Warnin...

sis Your doctor might be able to diagnose GERD based on a physical examination and history of your signs and symptoms. To confirm a diagnosis of GERD, or to check for complications, your doctor might recommend: Upper endoscopy. Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat, to examine the inside of your esophagus and stomach. Test result...

sis Tests to diagnose nasopharyngeal carcinoma Tests and procedures used to diagnose nasopharyngeal carcinoma include: Physical exam. Diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma usually begins with a general examination. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms. He or she may press on your neck to feel for swelling in your lymph nodes. Exam using a camera to see inside your nasopharynx. If na...

ew Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time. Though it occurs more often as people get older, urinary incontinence isn't an inevitable consequence of aging. If urinary incon...

ew Vasculitis is inflammation of your blood vessels. It causes changes in the blood vessel walls, including thickening, weakening, narrowing or scarring. These changes can restrict blood flow, resulting in organ and tissue damage. There are many types of vasculitis, and most of them are rare. Vasculitis might affect just one organ, or several. The condition can be short term (acute) or long las...

ew Idiopathic hypersomnia is an uncommon sleep disorder that causes you to be excessively sleepy during the day even after a good night's sleep. It also often causes difficulty waking up after you've been asleep at night or for a nap. Naps generally aren't refreshing. The need to sleep can strike at any time, including when you're driving a car or working, which makes idiopathic hypersomnia pot...

ew Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the presence of abnormal cells inside a milk duct in the breast. DCIS is considered the earliest form of breast cancer. DCIS is noninvasive, meaning it hasn't spread out of the milk duct and has a low risk of becoming invasive. DCIS is usually found during a mammogram done as part of breast cancer screening or to investigate a breast lump. While DCIS isn't ...

ew Plantar warts are small growths that usually appear on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of your feet. This pressure may also cause plantar warts to grow inward beneath a hard, thick layer of skin (callus). Plantar warts are caused by HPV. The virus enters your body through tiny cuts, breaks or other weak spots on the bottom of your feet. Most plantar warts aren't a serious health conc...